Four members of a family, parents and their two children, reportedly ended their lives in Gobichettipalayam taluk on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).

The victims were identified as P. Dhanasekar, 36, wife D. Balamani, 29, and their children D. Vandhana, 10, a class 5 student, and D. Monish, 7, a class 2 student. The family resided at Chinna Mooppan Street at Siruvalur.

Police said the couple had been married for 11 years and were employed at a garment factory at Vellankovil. Dispute arose between them as Dhanasekar was reportedly irregular at work. Around 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, an argument escalated, following which the couple consumed poison. When given to the children, they spat it out, raised an alarm, and ran outside the house.

Neighbours intervened and took the four to the Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai. But, the couple died on the way to the hospital, while the children passed away later during treatment. The Siruvalur police have registered a case and are investigating.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s Health Helpline 104 and Sneha’s Suicide Prevention Helpline 044-24640050)